Wisconsin Historical Records Repository Directory
Wisconsin Historical Records Repository Directory
In 2009, the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board (WHRAB) created the Wisconsin Historical Records Repository Directory (WHRRD) as part of the Wisconsin Records Assessment Project (WRAP). If you do not see your organization listed, or if you would like to update your organization’s information, please email mara.rodewald@wisconsinhistory.org
Alverno College Archives maintains college records including manuscripts, photographs, microforms, audiotapes, videotapes, and digital materials. Their notable collections focus on the Research Center on Women (RCW), the Southeastern Wisconsin Information Technology Exchange (SWITCH), and Alverno’s curriculum.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: archives@alverno.edu
The Appleton Public Library serves are the resource library for the Outagamie Waupaca Library System (OWLS). The Appleton Public Library allows patrons to access their collections, attend programs, and utilize other services. They also share an online catalog with other OWLS libraries; this catalog lists more than 1.7 million items.
Location: Appleton
Contact: crortvedt@apl.org
Archdiocese of Milwaukee Archives
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to the records and artifacts housed by the Church. Their mission is to promote an understanding of the history and activities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: taylors@archmil.org
Arvid E. Miller Library and Museum
The Arvid E. Miller Memorial Library and Museum is the official repository for the archives of the Stockbridge Munsee Community. They preserve and provide access to objects and documents that date from Pre-Contact to Present. Their materials include books, manuscripts, letters, maps, microfilm, photographs, and records in other formats.
Location: Bowler
Contact: heather.bruegl@mohican-nsn.gov
Brown County Historical Society
The mission of the Brown County Historical Society is to “preserve, present, and share the heritage of Brown County through preservation activities, exhibitions, educational programs, and events.” They fulfill this mission by preserving historic buildings, conducting research, and providing access to the public. Their current projects focus on preservation, educational outreach, and making themselves accessible as a historical resource.
Location: Green Bay
Contact: chris@browncohistoricalsoc.org
Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures
The mission of the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures (SCUMC) is to tell the stories of the people of the Upper-Midwest with an interdisciplinary focus on outreach and research. Their archives program supports this mission by preserving and providing access to oral histories, photographs, exhibits, and publications relating to the people of the Upper-Midwest.
Location: Madison
Contact: wep.csumc@wisc.edu
The mission of the Chippewa Valley Museum is to “connect people to our community and inspire curiosity by collecting, preserving, and sharing our region’s historical and cultural resources.”
Location: Eau Claire
Contact: info@cvmuseum.com
Circus World is an attraction featuring live circus performances, magic shows, movies, and historical exhibits. Circus World’s Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center is a research facility for circus history. Their collections document the history of the American circus from its inception in 1793 to the present day, and their collections include photographs, posters, manuscripts and artifacts. Frequent users include genealogists, authors, publishers, and circuses themselves. The library also houses a small collection of materials from Wild West shows and carnivals. The Wisconsin Historical Society owns Circus World and its collections; Circus World is independently managed by the Circus World Museum Foundation.
Location: Baraboo
Contact: ringmaster@circusworldbaraboo.org
Colonel Robert H. Morse Library, Beloit College
The Colonel Robert H. Morse Library houses original materials for research from the Civil War; personal diaries; letters of faculty, presidents and alumni; and the history of Beloit College. Additionally, most of the materials in the College Archives are searchable through Archives Space.
Location: Beloit
Contact: burwellf@beloit.edu
Dane County Historical Society, Otto Schroeder Records Center
The mission of the Dane County Historical Society is to preserve Dane County history. The Otto Schroeder Records Center aids in this mission by collecting and preserving written published and unpublished materials, as well as other primary and secondary source materials. The records center also supports several online resources including a digitized collection of Madison Central High School’s yearbooks, Madison Central High School’s student newsletter, and a digitized 1873 Dane County Plat Map.
Location: Madison
Contact: danecountyhistory@gmail.com
The Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) showcases the area’s maritime history through various galleries, classes, programs, and more.
Location: Sturgeon Bay
Contact: kosgood@dcmm.org
Dunn County Historical Society, Russel J. Rassbach Heritage Museum
The Rassbach Museum showcases the history of Dunn County from early mound builders to the communities of today. Their Fulton’s Workshop is an interactive space, and museum exhibits include Dunn County in the Civil War, On the Farm, Victorian Rooms, and more. Additionally, their facilities include Headquarters for Dunn County Genealogical Society, the Ranney Family Research Library, and more.
Location: Menomonie
Contact: dchs@dunnhistory.org
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Museum
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Museum houses aviation related displays and galleries. They showcase a collection of more than 200 historic airplanes along with displays including the Eagle Hangar that pays tribute to World War II aviation and veterans. They also maintain the KidVenture Gallery, which features 16 hands-on exhibits, a scenic overlook from Tower of Flight, and a half-scale model of an F-22.
Location: Oshkosh
Contact: membership@eaa.org
Golda Meir Library, UW-Milwaukee
The Golda Meir Library at UW-Milwaukee strives to promote student success, research excellence, and community engagement. They provide critical resources and services including information literacy instruction, research consultations, and spaces that support teaching and learning. They promote research by acquiring, curating, and preserving scholarship and providing access to resources. The library also contains the Area Research Center (ARC) for Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: askarch@uwm.edu
The Green Bay Diocese Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to records relating to the Diocese and the Catholic community is Northeast Wisconsin. The Archives serves Diocese administration and parishes as well as individual researchers. Services include genealogy and parish research.
Location: Green Bay
Contact: archives@gbdioc.org
Jewish Museum Milwaukee Archives
The Jewish Museum Milwaukee Archives houses records relating to Milwaukee’s Jewish community, Milwaukee’s synagogues, and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: archives@jewishmuseummilwaukee.org
The Kenosha Public Library (KPL) serves the community of the city and county of Kenosha as the resources library for the Kenosha County Library System. The library houses a wide variety of local history resources including newspapers, city directories, school yearbooks, and more.
Location: Kenosha
Contact: bbrattin@mykpl.info
La Crosse Public Library Archives
The La Crosse Public Library Archives is focused on the preservation of the local history of La Crosse. They preserve, provide access to, and publicize the existence of resources including genealogical collections, City of La Crosse public records, and other resources.
Location: La Crosse
Contact: adoering@lacrosselibrary.org
The Lawrence University Archives helps fulfil the mission of Lawrence University by supporting the research of students, faculty, and other researchers. They also preserve and provide access to records documenting the history of Lawrence University and act as the official repository for University records.
Location: Appleton
Contact: archives@lawrence.edu
Marathon County Historical Society
The Marathon County Historical Society preserves and provides access to records relating to the community of Marathon County. They also promote these records through education, research, and programming.
Location: Wausau
Contact: info@marathoncountyhistory.org
Marquette University Special Collections and Archives
The Marquette University Special Collections and Archives preserves and provides access to University records with long term administrative, legal, or historical value. These records include collections such as student dissertations and theses, programs of concerts and other events, a photographic collection, and an audio/visual collection, which include a number of football and basketball recordings.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: Amy.Cary@marquette.edu
The McMillan Memorial Library preserves and provides access to a collection of books, magazines, audiobooks, and video recordings, as well as other resources through the South Central Library System. The Library also offers programming, a coffeehouse, a makerspace, and other services.
Location: Wisconsin Rapids
Contact: ask@mcmillanlibrary.org
Milwaukee Art Museum- George Peckham Miller Art Research Library
The Milwaukee Art Museum Research Center houses resources relating to the Milwaukee Art Museum’s collections including books, catalogs, magazines, and the Brooks Stevens archive.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: curatorial@mam.org
Milwaukee County Historical Society
The Milwaukee County Historical Society serves as the repository for Milwaukee County records. They house the museum, collection storage, and other resources. They also offer programs, exhibits, and other services to engage their audience in the history of Milwaukee.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: mam@mam.org
The Milwaukee Public Library Archives houses the City of Milwaukee Archives, the Local History Manuscript Collections, the Milwaukee Road Archives, and the Wisconsin Architectural Archive.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: (414) 286-3000
Monroe County Historical Society
The mission of the Monroe County Historical Society is to preserve, advance, and make assessible the history of the history of Monroe County.
Location: Sparta
Contact: MCLHR@centurytel.net
Mount Mary Archives and Special Collections Department collects, preserves, and provides access to records relating to the University. Their collections include student publications, student thesis, rare books, and records of university activities.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: mmu-library@mtmary.edu
Nelis R. Kampenga Archives, UW-Stevens Point
The Nelis R. Kampenga Archives houses three major collections: university records, Portage County Historical Society records, and the Wisconsin Historical Society Area Research Center (ARC) collection. The ARC serves Adams, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood counties.
Location: Stevens Point
Contact: archives@uwsp.edu
The Neville Public Library collects and preserves records and artifacts relating to Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; they also engage their community through exhibits and programming. Their collections include artifacts, art, photographs, and more.
Location: Green Bay
Contact: (920) 448-4460
Northern Great Lakes History Center and Archives
The Norther Great Lakes History Center and Archives promotes research, programming, and education and serves as the Area Research Center for Ashland, Bayfield, Forest, Iron, Oneida, Price, Sawyer, and Vilas counties.
Location: Ashland
Contact: (715) 685-2647
Oneida Cultural Heritage Department
The Oneida Cultural Heritage Department preserves and interprets Oneida teachings, customs, and history. They preserve and provide access to collections including artifacts, documents, audio and visual materials, and more including language materials.
Location: Green Bay
Contact: 496-5395
The Oshkosh Public Museum preserves materials relating to the history and heritage of the Oshkosh region. These materials include photographs, letters, diaries, visual recordings, and other records. The museum also presents this history through permanent and temporary exhibits and programs.
Location: Oshkosh
Contact: scross@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
The Outagamie Public Museum is an interdisciplinary museum. Their collection contains a variety of natural and local history artifacts and the research library has a variety of materials on the history of New London.
Location: New London
Contact: museum@newlondonwi.org
The mission of the Racine Heritage Museum is to preserve and present the diverse history of Racine County.
Location: Racine
Contact: inquire@racineheritagemuseum.org
Recollection Wisconsin brings together digital cultural heritage resources from Wisconsin libraries, archives, museums and historical societies and shares them with the world in partnership with the Digital Public Library of America.
Contact: info@recollectionwisconsin.org
The mission of the Ripon College Archives is to preserve the history of Ripon College. Their collection includes materials such as yearbooks, photographs, manuscripts, and other materials and publications.
Location: Ripon
Contact: prellwitza@ripon.edu
Rock County Historical Society
The Rock County Historical Society Archives houses records relating to Rock County including photographs, documents, maps, letters, yearbooks, and more. The archives is also home to the Rock County Genealogical Society.
Location: Janesville
Contact: tmaahs@rchs.us
St. Norbert College Library provides services to students, faculty, and others to promote learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Location: De Pere
Contact: kristin.vogel@snc.edu
Sheboygan County Historical Research Center
The mission of the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the records of Sheboygan County.
Location: Sheboygan Falls
Contact: schrc@att.net
The mission of the T. B. Scott Free Library is to promote civic engagement, support learning, and ensure access. The Library’s Genealogy & Local History Room preserves and provides access to materials including city directories, school yearbooks, indexed obituaries, the North Pines Genealogy Group’s collection, and other local records.
Location: Merrill
Contact: director@tbscottlibrary.org
UW-Eau Claire William D. McIntyre Library and Special Collections, Archives, and Area Research Center
The UW-Eau Claire William D. McIntyre Library supports student success by making research materials accessible and proving research and other services. Additionally, the Special Collections and Archives Department of McIntyre Library collects records of the UW-Eau Claire, and the Area Research Center (ARC) collects and preserves records pertaining to Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Eau Claire, Rusk and Taylor counties.
Location: Eau Claire
Contact William D. McIntyre Library: markgrjs@uwec.edu
Contact Special Collections, Archives, and ARC: kockseng@uwec.edu
UW-Green Bay Cofrin Library, University Archives and Area Research Center
UW-Green Bay’s Cofrin Library advances the UW-Green Bay mission of education, research, and service by providing services and resources to meet the needs of its community and serving as an intellectual and cultural asset for both the University and Northeast Wisconsin. The library also houses the university archives and Area Research Center (ARC), which has original materials pertaining to Northeastern Wisconsin dating from the 1600s to the present covering a variety of topics including the Civil War, immigration, suffrage, World War II, politics, and businesses. The collections include diaries, letters, memoirs, photos, maps, oral histories, court records, citizenship papers, school records and more. The ARC serves Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, and Shawano counties.
Location: Green Bay
Contact Cofrin Library: refdesk@uwgb.edu
Contact University Archives and ARC: andersod@uwgb.edu
UW-La Crosse Murphy Library, Special Collections, Archives, and ARC
The Murphy Library supports the students and faculty of UW-La Crosse by providing resources and support to promote research, teaching, and learning. The library also houses the special collections, archives, and Area Research Center (ARC). UW-La Crosse Special Collections collects, preserves, and provides access to materials including rare books, regional and Wisconsin history books, maps, oral history recordings and transcripts, university archives, and a photograph collection. The ARC holds archival records of local governmental bodies and personal papers of people and businesses from Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties.
Location: La Crosse
Contact Murphy Library: refemail@uwlax.edu
Contact ARC: pbeck@uwlax.edu
UW-Oshkosh Forrest R. Polk Library, Archives and Area Research Center
The UW-Oshkosh Forrest R. Polk Library supports the needs of its students through its online, local, and system-wide collections. Online resources include full-text journals and other resources. Furthermore, student have access to materials across the UW System through interlibrary loan. The library also houses University Archives and an Area Research Center (ARC). The combined mission of the UW-Oshkosh Archives and ARC is to collect, preserve, and provide access to records of historical significance to the members of the university and public community. The ARC serves Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, and Winnebago counties. The University Archives serves the needs of UW-Oshkosh, permanently storing historically significant campus records and providing reference services for those records to the university and greater community. The University Archives' collections include records of the President/Chancellors from Albee to Guiles; copies of the Advance and Advance Titan newspapers; a complete run of the Quiver yearbooks; records of student and faculty government; and numerous other series.
Location: Oshkosh
Contact Forrest R. Polk Library: neises@usosh.edu
Contact Archives and ARC: ranger@uwosh.edu
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Archives and Area Research Center (ARC) collects a variety of regional records, makes university records accessible, and facilitates the research needs of the university. Several of their notable collections include the Vincent F. Ruffolo collection of Nash and AMC materials, the Irving Wallace Collection, the David Kherdian collection, and the John Sullivan collection of aviation materials. The ARC serves Kenosha and Racine counties.
Location: Parkside
Contact: archives@uwp.edu
UW-Platteville Elton S. Karrmann Library, Southwest Wisconsin Archives
The Elton S. Karrmann Library preserves information on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus. Their collections include books, government publications, periodicals, newspapers, and other serial titles. Additionally, the library offers electronic books, ejournals and databases, as well as interlibrary loan. The Southwest Wisconsin Archives, which are housed by the library, feature the UW-Platteville University Archives, the Southwest Wisconsin Collection, and the Area Research Center (ARC). The University Archives houses documents relating to the university from 1839-present; the Southwest Wisconsin Collection contains materials including family records and county histories; and the ARC serves Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland counties.
Location: Platteville
Contact: Elton S. Karrmann Library: referece@uwplatt.edu
Contact: Southwest Wisconsin Archives: swwis@uwplatt.edu
UW-River Falls Chalmer Davee Library, University Archives and Area Research Center
The UW-River Falls Chalmer Davee Library focuses on providing resources that support the teaching, learning, and research efforts of students, faculty, and others. The library also houses the University Archives and Area Research Center (ARC), which collects, preserves, and provides access to records that document the history, development, and activities of the University and Northwestern Wisconsin. The ARC serves Burnett, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties.
Location: River Falls
Contact Chalmer Davee Library: Maureen.olle-lajoie@uwrf.edu
Contact University Archives and ARC: morgan.paavola@uwrf.edu
UW-Stout Robert S. Swanson Learning Center and Archives and Area Research Center
The mission of the Robert S. Swanson Learning center is to support the success of students and faculty through collaborating with diverse campus and regional communities, innovating based on community needs, and providing professional service. The library is also home to the University Archives and Area Research Center (ARC). The archives collects and preserves the records of UW-Stout and its predecessors; the ARC serves Dunn, Barron, and Pepin counties.
Location: Stout
Contact Robert S. Swanson Learning Center: reference@uwstout.edu
Contact Archives and ARC: archives@uwstout.edu
UW-Superior Jim Dan Hill Library, Area Research Center
The mission of the UW-Superior Jim Dan Hill Library is to "[support] the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Superior liberal arts mission by providing services and resources for research, teaching, and professional development." The library also houses the Area Research Center (ARC) serving Washburn and Douglas Counties.
Location: Superior
Contact Jim Dan Hill Library: mbartle2@uwsuper.edu
Contact ARC: archives@uwsuper.edu
UW-Whitewater Harold Andersen Library and Archives and Area Research Center
UW-Whitewater’s Harold Andersen Library’s collections and information services support the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The library provides access to a large collection including books, ebooks, journals, and other resources. The library also houses the regions Area Research Center (ARC), serving Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties.
Location: Whitewater
Contact Harold Andersen Library: waelchlp@uww.edu
Contact Archives and ARC: archives@uww.edu
Washington County Historical Society
The mission of the Washington County Historical Society Research Center and Archives is to “collect, preserve, and make accessible materials that concern the history of Washington County and the people who have made it home.”
Location: West Bend
Contact: research@historyisfun.com
Waukesha County Historical Society
The mission of the Waukesha County Historical Society is to preserve and share the history of the Waukesha County community. Their collection includes artifacts and a wide variety of documents.
Location: Waukesha
Contact: info@wchsm.org
Wisconsin Black Historical Society
The mission of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society is to preserve the heritage of African descent in Wisconsin. They serve as a resource center and collect, preserve, and exhibit materials relating to this heritage.
Location: Milwaukee
Contact: info@wbhsm.org
The mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society is to collect, preserve, provide access to, and otherwise share the history of Wisconsin.
Location: Madison
Contact: askarchives@wisconsinhistory.org
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum collects and preserves artifacts and records relating to the maritime history of Wisconsin in the Great Lakes region. Using these records, they facilitate research, develop exhibits, and create programs for the public.
Location: Manitowoc
Contact: museum@wisconsinmaritime.org
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum preserves and exhibits the role of Wisconsin veterans in the United States’ military.
Location: Madison
Contact: veterans.museum@dva.wisconsin.gov
Learn More
About the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
Have Questions?
For more information please contact:
Mara Rodewald, Program Associate for the WHRAB | mara.rodewald@wisconsinhistory.org